On Monday, January 12, 2015, at approximately 6:50 p.m., Long Beach Police were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 1100 block of Gardenia Avenue in regards to a foul odor emitting from one of the units, and ultimately located three deceased subjects.

Officers arrived at the location and found one female and two male adult subjects inside the apartment unit. They also located a large propane heater inside the unit it appeared the occupants were using for warmth.

Although the cause of death is unknown and will be officially determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, it is possible their deaths are related to carbon monoxide poisoning. These types of heaters are not intended for indoor use and can produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide if the area is not adequately ventilated.

The identities of the individuals will also be determined by the Coroner’s office and will be released pending notification of next of kin. The relationship between the occupants is unknown and the investigation remains ongoing.